Description of the attraction
About 16 km east of ancient Corinth on the territory of the Isthmus of Corinth (Isthmia region) there was once an ancient Greek temple in honor of Poseidon. The sanctuary was of great religious and political importance and was revered by all Greeks along with Olympus, Delphi and Nemea. This sanctuary is also considered one of the three most significant temples of Poseidon in the world (the second is located on the Greek Cape Sounion near Athens, and the third in Italy).
Based on data from archaeological excavations, it is assumed that the temple of Poseidon was built in the 7th century BC. and is made in the Doric style. The ancient sanctuary was located next to the road that connected the two largest and richest cities of classical Greece - Athens and Corinth. Especially important meetings of the Hellenes were held here and the famous Panhellenic Isthmian Games were held once every two years. The temple was destroyed by fire around 470 BC, but rebuilt as early as 440 BC. The temple continued to maintain its influence until the end of the third century AD, after which it was gradually abandoned and eventually collapsed.
For the first time, this important historical site was discovered by the famous archaeologist Oskar Broner, who began excavations in this area in 1952. Research continued until 1967, and a number of interesting discoveries were made, which, however, caused many questions and controversy. Additional excavations, carried out in 1989, finally allowed to form a complete picture of the development of the Temple of Poseidon and its surroundings. The foundations of the Temple of Poseidon (it was possible to restore an interesting mosaic), part of the stadium, where the Isthmian Games, Roman baths and many other structures were held.
The ruins of an ancient temple and archaeological excavations of these places are of great historical importance and allow you to lift a mysterious veil over the fascinating world of Ancient Greece.
